Delving into the origins of metal music is like stepping into a time machine. A journey back to the late 60s and early 70s when rock music took a heavy turn, birthing a genre that’s as diverse as it’s loud. This article will explore the pioneers of this genre, shedding light on who made metal.
From the gritty streets of Birmingham to the sunny beaches of California, metal music’s roots are as varied as its sound. It’s a tale of innovation, rebellion, and the relentless pursuit of a sound that defied conventions. So, strap in and prepare for a headbanging trip down memory lane of who made metal.
Who Made Metal
The Late 60s and 70s: The Genesis of Metal Music
Late 60s and 70s witnessed the birth of metal music. Musicians experimented, blending heavy blues rock with amplified overdrive. Bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple emerged, defining the genre’s hallmarks: distorted guitars, aggressive vocals, emphatic rhythms, and dense bass-and-drum sound. The canvas of metal music, painted with loud and vibrant strokes, began to form during this pivotal era.
Key Figures in the Birth of Metal Music
Metal music’s origins find roots in a few key bands. The first of these, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple, played pivotal roles in the inception and growth of the genre.
Black Sabbath: The First True Metal Band
Black Sabbath, often hailed as the first band who made metal, laid the genre’s foundation. In 1970, the Birmingham-based band released its eponymous debut album. It showcased heavy, downtuned guitar riffs—Tony Iommi’s signature style—that became a defining element of metal music. Besides, Ozzy Osbourne’s foreboding vocals, coupled with lyrics centered on political corruption, evil, and black magic, added a darker, heavier tone to their music, forming the hallmark of the genre.
Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple’s Contributions
Meanwhile, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple diversified the genre with their unique contributions. Led Zeppelin, with electrifying tracks like “Whole Lotta Love” and “Stairway to Heaven,” blended blues into their rock music, contributing to the evolving heaviness of metal. Deep Purple, recognized for its groundbreaking albums like “Machine Head,” innovated with a keyboard-driven sound, Jon Lord’s trademark. That wasn’t seen in metal before, adding to the genre’s complexity and richness.
Who Made Metal: From Traditional to Extreme
As metal music expanded in scope and intensity, new sub-genres emerged, and fresh bands entered the scene, shaping the genre’s landscape.
The Arrival of Thrash, Death, and Black Metal
As the 1980s unfolded, metal morphed into its bolder and more aggressive variants; thrash, death, and black metal. The frenetic speed of thrash, pioneered by bands like Slayer and Anthrax, shook traditional metal. Meanwhile, death metal, with its intense growls and complex guitar work, led by bands like Death, added a stronger sonic punch. Simultaneously, black metal crept into the spectrum, with groups like Mayhem and Darkthrone fostering an atmosphere of darkness with its haunting melodies and raw vocals.
Who Carries the Torch for Metal Today
Building on the rich legacy and enduring influence of who made metal, numerous bands have picked up the mantle, continuing to shape and redefine the genre.
Current Influential Metal Bands
Metal continues to be a dynamic genre, pushed forward by prominent bands like Slipknot, Mastodon, and Gojira. Iowa’s Slipknot with their aggressive blending of extreme metal, alternative, and industrial hold a significant footprint, as confirmed by their multi-platinum certified album “All Hope is Gone.” With a style amalgamating progressive metal and sludge, Mastodon from Atlanta continues to explore new sonic territories. Their discography, brimming with intricate tracks like “Oblivion” and “High Road,” bears testimony to that.
Innovative Spirit
Metal music’s roots run deep, spanning continents and decades. It’s a genre that’s been shaped by a myriad of influences, from the electric blues of Muddy Waters to the classical compositions of Wagner and Bach. It’s a testament to the innovative spirit of bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple that metal music was born, their groundbreaking work setting the stage for a genre that’s as diverse as it is intense.